Foundation Shelf Life: Oil-Free Foundation (12 months); Moisturising, Cream or Compact Foundation (18 months)
Again, it's a good idea to use foundation quickly. Oil-free ones have the shortest shelf life because they tend to dry out quicker than other types.
Tips
* Throw foundation away if it starts to look or smell different or if ingredients start to separate.
* Ideally, always wash the sponges (in compact foundation, for example) at least once a week. Use soapy water and allow to dry naturally. Make sure the sponge is completely dry before placing back into the container or compact, or this could encourage mould to grow.
* If you want to prolong shelf life by a few months, keep your foundation in the fridge. Otherwise store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
* Be extremely careful when using foundation near broken or infected skin. Scoop a small amount onto a plastic dish with a spatula, then put the container away so you don't accidentally contaminate the pot. Use a medicated formulation or concealer on the affected area.
* If available, choose a foundation in a tube or pump dispenser. These are good because the product can't slip back into the container after it has been exposed to air. The risk of contamination with bacteria is therefore greatly reduced.
Powder
Shelf Life: Two years
Although powder will actually last longer, two years is the longest you should really keep it. After that, it can start to get a bit dry and, in the case of pressed powder, it may not go on as smoothly. This is unavoidable, as powder mixes with natural skin oils left on the sponge. As a general rule, loose powder can last up to three years in the right conditions.
Concealer
Shelf Life: 12-18 months
Stick concealer lasts the longest of any type. You can tell it's had its day when it starts to get dry and no longer goes on smoothly. Liquid based concealers may start to separate or go lumpy when they're going off.
Tips
* Always wipe the brush after using if the concealer comes in a wand and brush package, especially if you're trying to cover a spot that may harbour bacteria. These concealers are more easily contaminated than stick ones, because they 'feed' bacteria back into the container.
* Ideally, use a stick or pump dispenser concealer on spots and pimples.
Blusher
Shelf Life: Powder Blush (two years); Cream Blush (12-18 months)
After two years, powder blushers may start to get a bit dry or develop a 'slippery' texture, caused by mixing with natural oils from skin. Also, once the colour changes it's no longer in its prime. Cream blushes have a shorter shelf life because they contain more emulsions, which are less stable and break down over time. However, you'll find you use these more quickly anyway.
Tips
* Wash blusher brush and sponge once a week or more often if they look dirty.
* Wash hands before applying cream blush.
Eyeshadow
Shelf Life: Powder (two years); Cream Eyeshadow (12-18 months) Powder eyeshadows can last for ages because they are mainly pigmented pressed powder. Cream eyeshadows have a shorter shelf life because, like cream blushes, they use emulsions that break down over time.
Tips
* Wash brushes and applicators at least once or twice a week or more if you are using one applicator to apply different shades.
* Wash hands if using fingers to apply.
* Do not use eyeshadow if you have an eye infection, as this may aggravate the area and make the problem worse. Also, you may unwittingly pass the bacteria on to the rest of the eyeshadow with the applicator or your finger.
Eyeliner and lipliner
Shelf Life: two years
Eyeliner and lipliners are the workhorses of cosmetics. They last for ages because sharpening them regularly goes a long way in preventing bacterial growth.
Tips
* Throw away eyeliner if you have an eye infection.
* Do not use a lipliner if you have a cold sore.
* Do not share eyeliner or lipliners.
* Keep out of sunlight and heat.
Lipstick
Shelf Life: two years
Lipsticks are generally quite long lasting because of the way the pigment and fat are formulated together. Don't be put off if tiny bubbles appear on the surface - these are just moisture drops and can be wiped off.
Tips
* Bin it if the lipstick feels dry, scratchy or changes colour.
* Never use lipstick if you have a cold sore. Throw it out if you accidentally use it on a cold sore, otherwise it may spread.
* Don't share lipsticks
* If you use a lip brush, wash it at least once a week.
Lipgloss
Shelf Life: 18 months-two years
Lipgloss isn't as long lasting as lipstick because it is formulated in a different way.
Tips
* Wash hands if you are using your finger to apply.
* Wash the lip brush at least once a week.
* Don't use if you have a cold sore.
Fragrance
Shelf Life: 18 months-two years
carry little risk of becoming contaminated because they usually contain alcohol, which is a natural preservative.
Tips
* Prolong the shelf life by keeping the fragrance in the fridge.
* Keep it out of direct sunlight, and preferably in its box.
* Store it in moderate temperature, as fragrance will go off quicker if kept in warm conditions.
* Throw away if it changes colour (especially if it goes darker) or starts to smell differently.
* Remember that fragrance is a common cause of allergies and irritations. If you notice any odd reaction, stop using it.
As a general rule of thumb, try to keep all cosmetics in their shop wrapping if you don't need to use them straight away. You will extend the shelf life, as there is no exposure to air.
Also recommended to keep all cosmetics in a dark cupboard away from heat and light.
